Figures for the Skilled Trades Were Not Yet Available

BWIHK Vice President Claus Paal called the figures a clear warning signal, adding that demographic change is not taking a break from the economic cycle. If fewer young people are trained today, the economy will lack precisely these skilled workers in a few years. Figures for the skilled trades were not yet available.

According to the State Statistical Office, around 65,900 new training relationships began on September 1, 2025, including around 36,900 in industry and commerce and around 18,700 in the skilled trades. At the end of 2025, there were around 172,300 trainees across all occupations and training years, compared with around 189,900 at the end of 2016. Experts cite falling birth rates as a main reason for the decline. While Baden-Württemberg recorded more than 110,000 births annually between 1988 and 1998, the number fell below 100,000 per year between 2002 and 2010, sometimes even below 90,000, according to the Economics Ministry.

The trend toward higher educational qualifications is another factor. The most popular training occupations in 2025 were automotive mechatronics technician, medical assistant, office management clerk, retail and industrial clerk, and dental assistant, according to the ministry. Andrea Bosch, training expert at the Stuttgart Region Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said that lesser-known training occupations often offer very good future prospects — the challenge is making these opportunities more visible to young people.

Some companies are training fewer apprentices or none at all due to the difficult economic situation. Paal showed understanding but stressed that it is all the more important for companies that do train and can afford it not to let up now, but to strengthen their commitment. According to the IHK skilled-worker monitor, around 143,000 skilled workers are currently missing in Baden-Württemberg.

By 2035, the gap could grow to 373,000 — including around 235,000 vocationally qualified specialists.